Biology Laboratory: Cell Anatomy (Activity 1B)

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering cell theory, the levels of biological organization, major organelles, and their specific functions as detailed in Biology Laboratory Activity 1B.

Robert Hooke ($1665$)

The scientist who observed cork cells under a microscope and noted their resemblance to small rooms.

Anton Van Leeuwenhoek

The scientist who used higher magnification to observe motile cells.

Cell Theory

The theory stating that all living things are made of cells, the cell is the basic unit of life, and all cells arise from existing cells.

Levels of Organization

The biological hierarchy: Chemicals $\rightarrow$ Organelles $\rightarrow$ Cells $\rightarrow$ Tissues $\rightarrow$ Organs $\rightarrow$ Organ Systems $\rightarrow$ Organism.

Plasma (cell) membrane

The fluid-mosaic lipid bilayer studded with proteins that protects cellular contents and mediates the entry and exit of substances.

Cytoplasm

The cellular contents located between the plasma membrane and the nucleus, consisting of cytosol and organelles.

Cytosol

The fluid portion of the cytoplasm, composed of water, solutes, and suspended particles, where many metabolic reactions occur.

Nucleus

The organelle that directs cell activities and contains the nuclear envelope, nucleoli, and chromosomes.

Cytoskeleton

A network of three types of protein filaments (microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules) that maintains cell shape.

Centrosome

A pair of centrioles plus pericentriolar material used for the growth of the mitotic spindle and microtubule formation.

Cilia and Flagella

Motile cell surface projections; cilia move fluids over a surface, while flagella move an entire cell.

Ribosome

Composed of two subunits containing ribosomal RNA and proteins; serves as the site of protein synthesis.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

A membranous network covered by ribosomes that synthesizes glycoproteins and phospholipids for organelles or secretion.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

A membranous network lacking ribosomes that synthesizes fatty acids and steroids, detoxifies drugs, and stores calcium ions.

Golgi complex

A series of $3-20$ flattened membranous sacs (cisternae) that modify, sort, and package proteins for transport.

Cis face (Entry face)

The part of the Golgi complex that accepts proteins from the rough endoplasmic reticulum.

Trans face (Exit face)

The part of the Golgi complex that modifies, sorts, and packages molecules for transport to their final destinations.

Lysosome

A vesicle formed from the Golgi complex containing digestive enzymes for autophagy, autolysis, and extracellular digestion.

Peroxisome

A vesicle containing oxidases and catalase that oxidizes amino acids and fatty acids and detoxifies harmful substances like alcohol.

Proteasome

A tiny barrel-shaped structure containing proteases that degrades unneeded, damaged, or faulty proteins into small peptides.

Mitochondrion

The site of aerobic cellular respiration reactions that produce most of a cell's ATP, consisting of membranes, cristae, and a matrix.

Nuclear Envelope

A structure with pores that controls the movement of substances between the nucleus and the cytoplasm.

Chromatin

A tangled mass of chromosomes found in the nucleus during interphase.

Methylene Blue

A stain used in the laboratory procedure to observe cheek cells under a microscope.